Wings

Bellcranks Installation ( 3 hrs )

Switched schrader air valve to RH tank along with cap for air line so I can test for leaks.   Holding air in balloon long time, but didn't get around to checking with soapy water (optimistic though !).
















Meanwhile I determined center of travel of Electric Aileron Trim Actuator using 9V battery to exercise through full travel.   Ready to install next.  

Since I received the backordered Bellcranks from Vans Monday, I now could do Sect 23-05 - installing Bellcranks. The long brass bushing required much more than simple deburring of ends to insure easy & smooth rotation of bellcranks.  I spent a LOT of time gently (no undo option !) reducing brass diameter and smoothing insider of Pivot Tubes.  Seemed weldment onto Pivot tubes may have caused distortion.

showing brass bushings...partially installed in pivot tubes

Finally achieved free and easy rotation.  Installed LH and RH Bellcranks into Wings. Yay !

Wings

Cont'd Electric Aileron Trim  ( 2 hrs )

Electric Aileron Trim assembly continued at Steps 3-6 Sect OP38-02 and  -03 Step 1 & 2.  Drilled #30 holes, deburred edges, cleaned, primed.  Mounted Ray Allen servo and linkage.

Wings

Tank Leak Test, Autopilot installation  ( 3 hrs )

LH tank testing:  Only place I've been identifying leaks was at the balloon attached to the tank.   Replaced balloon, applying thread sealant prior to slipping onto fitting.  Used band of strong tape, followed by safety wire twisted tight (thanks Vans Air Force for tip to use safety wire/pliers !).  Finally....no bubbles at balloon attach !    Now I can concentrate on confirming no other leaks.  So far all I could reach showed no signs of bubbles w/ generous applications of soap suds.

 

Started Optional Sect 56 - Garmin Autopilot Servo install kit.   Bolted on Roll Servo Brace in right wing, built 1 Pushrod for Pitch servo, and 1 Pushrod for Roll Servo (1/8" longer).  That all I can do in the wing until I purchase the Garmin Servo - which I probably won't buy until I purchase the Garmin G3X avionics (displays, etc).

Powder coated white brace added to bellcrank mount on Right Wing Spar

Looks simple, but alum tubes required drilling and taping for 1/4-28 threads.

Getting started on the Optional Sect 38 -  Electric Aileron Trim.  Drilled #30 holes & deburred mounting brackets.

Wings

Install Torq Tubes  ( 2hrs )

Installed Torq Tube Assemblies in LH and RH Wings per Sect 23-08 Steps 1-4.   LH filled gap perfectly, needing no washers.   RH needed just two thin washers, NAS11490432 to fill gap   (avoids overloading bearings when ends are tightened).    Impressive smooth operation.   Not yet torqued, since not sure if final installation.

 Spent time reviewing remaining tasks, and re-checking LH tank for leaks.  No bubbles as soaping rivets and joints.   Seems only one I can find is where balloon attaches to fitting !  Originally wrapped with tape.  Tried tightening wire around "nipple", but still leaks.  Gotta research Vans Air Force site to see what others have done to "seal" balloon.  I want confirmation no leaks in areas I can't reach due to tank installed onto wing.

Wings

Torque Tubes  ( 1 hr )

Drilled final holes to complete assly of LH & RH Torque Tubes.  Sect 23-07 Steps 1-4.  Used shotgun cleaning rod again, but this time as perfect "gage" to measure actual gap between bearings for Left Wing and Right Wing.  Since plus/minus 1/64 inch required for final length of Torque Tubes, this will insure fit.

Trusted "gage" more than measuring to 1/64".  But checked both ways

Ready to dis-assemble to deburr.

Emailed Vans again - only 4 of 8 required AN13A bolts provided.  Seems they've missed again that QB has two wings! in inventory list.

Wings

Torque Tubes cont'd  ( 3 hrs )

Built LH and RH Torque Tube assemblies per Sect 23-06 Steps 3 & 4.  Drilling in steel is not nearly as much "fun" as drilling aluminum.  Next, complete ass'ly with short ends at specific orientation per 23-07 ...tomorrow.

Went ahead with set up to measure within 1/32".  This is one of few times Vans engineers provide min - max dimension...between 17 3/4 and 17 25/32  (plus/minus 1/64 !)

Wings

Torque Tubes  ( 3 hrs )

Good news:  Vans is shipping the B/O items today.  Apparently they had in stock all but the Fuel Valve  ( no explanation of why not already shipped ! ).  

I trial fit LH & RH Flaps to wings after unwrapping.   Installed CM-4M Rod End Bearings.

But I discovered Van's Packing List doesn't include four AN310-4 castle nuts needed to complete attachment to wings.  They responded to email with news they were shipping those, apparently supposed to be included in Bag 3100 for Flap Actuation...but not listed or provided.  You'd think w/ the RV14 kits being available since 2013 they'd have that resolved.  Maybe since the QB Wings are relatively new offerings, they messed that up. Both Flaps are now in extra bedroom = plane parts safe storage facility.

Started build of Torque Tube Ass'ly for Aileron Actuation, Sect 23-06 Steps 1 & 2.